Paris Calls Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Connecticut College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and how to adjust to a different culture. I was very homesick at first but I overcame that and became very comfortable in Paris. It was definitely worthwhile to become more independent and comfortable on my own. I grew as a person while studying abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes assign a decent amount of reading.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is extremely helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It's France...the food is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated because I lived with a french family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved my classes abroad and thought that the professors were very engaging. It was clear that they were experts on their topics and that they loved teaching. I also found the faculty to be extremely helpful and kind.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Breakfast and lunch is not very expensive but dinner can be more pricey. It's also a city with a ton of shopping and well...it's tempting to spend money here. But traveling outside of Paris is what was most expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat breakfast in. Buy yogurts, cereal, etc. Also try to cook dinner in...it's much cheaper that way.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I was in an intermediate class and it was taught entirely in french. Also, my professor would almost always speak french to me outside of class.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An Advanced Intermediate course.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always try to speak french at a restaurants, stores, etc. Don't be shy to speak french to the French. Practice is key.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Professors
  • The Field Trips
  • The Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • More time to travel to other countries
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished that someone had warned me that it is normal to be very homesick in the beginning. But, on the bright side, the homesickness goes away!!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'